One of the raging issue now is the pivotal role women play in almost all areas of life. Women are seen in all areas of life, business, civil service, teaching etc, but there seems to be a dearth of women in the arts sector. Why is it so, does the culture forbid them or what, this was the reason why Art Forum Africa (AFA), a new platform that runs online publication, and organises forum for discourse on matters that concerns artists, curators, collectors, the government and others involved in arts in Africa gathered stakeholders in the arts industry to discourse on the topic, “Where are the women in the visual arts?

It is often said that the worst form of democracy is better than the best military rule, that is why people rejoice during democratic rule as it will afford them the opportunity to elect their leaders who will in turn deliver the much desired dividends of democracy to them. But, what becomes the fate of the people when the politicians who are voted into power abandone their campaign promises and fail to deliver.

Professor Titus Okereke has written an excellent book even if at times it is an unhappy book. His own irrepressible personality shines through the book – he is a friendly man, a thoughtful person who is willing at times to follow the consequences of his thinking. Most people think but allow circumstances to dictate their action. Not so Titus. The book is delightful as it takes us through his first thoughts – not of Ajalli but of a two days water trip to Sapele where he grew up.

Three finalists have been announced as the three shortlisted authors for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature and sadly, no Nigerian author made the list. The authors that made the list include; Fiston Mwanza Mujila, Penny Busetto and Rehana Rossouw. The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first pan-African Prize that is open solely to debut fiction writers from African countries. Now in its third year, it is acknowledged as the most prestigious literary prize for African fiction.

ONE of the greatest problems confronting the world today, especially Nigeria is unemployment. For example in Nigeria, every year the various universities in the country churn out graduates to chase the few jobs available, and when they don’t get any, they are left with no choice than to join the legions already in the unemployment market. Its negative effects on the globe is worrisome, that is why all efforts are geared towards finding a solution.